Attractions
Onslow is a pretty coastal town offering a relaxed holiday and access to the Mackerel Islands.
If you are a keen fisherman check out the groyne where fish cleaning facilities are provided close by. For the nature lover there are two lookouts located a short distance from one another that provide wonderful views of the ocean and are great during sunrise and sunset. For further details click here.
There is also a lot of history in Onslow and the remains of the original town site can be seen here. With only the prison and the old gaol still standing, catch a look while you can. The Council has undertaking restoration works on the Old Onslow Police and Gaol Complex to reduce further deterioration of this ruin. The Old Cemetery is a short drive away.
Please read below for a list of attractions in town or click on the quick links
Historical Attractions
Onslow Salt
The Onslow salt field occupies 90 sq km of salt flats, with seawater pumped by three pumps at a maximum rate of 4,000L/s each for approximately 18 hours per day depending on tides. Onslow Salt Pty Ltd is capable of producing nominally 2.5 million tones of sodium chloride per annum. The project has handling facilities to transport, process, store and load salt into ships for export. The jetty is approximately a 1.3 kilometre steel trestleway and is situated off Sunset Beach.
The project, which dispatched its first shipload of 45,000t of salt in July 2002, services the rapidly growing chlor-alkali and other salt consuming industries across the Asia-Pacific region, and represents a further step in the development of Australia's $300m a year solar salt export industry.
Good Shed Museum
The Good Shed Museum is a historical building, listed by National Heritage. The building was moved from Old Onslow in 1925. The museum contains historic artefacts from the Onslow region. Onslow has a long and extensive history and the museum is a great place to get some background on the town. Come in and have a browse.
Scenic Attractions
Ian Blair Memorial Walkway
Onslow's Ian Blair Memorial Boardwalk is attracting a lot of interest. It starts at the lookout at Beadon Point and winds through the natural vegetation to it’s destination at Sunset Beach.
Termite Mound Viewing Area
Ant hills are prolific in the Onslow region. They can be viewed in their natural state. Quite an amazing sight!
Bobby's Tree
60 kilometres from Onslow, on the Onslow Access Road, you may be interested in stopping to have a look at "Bobby's Tree". The inscription reads:
This tree is respectfully known as "Bobby's Tree". Bob McAullay, a Shire grader operator from 1969 to 1980, nurtured this tree in its infancy and in recognition of this, the Main Roads Department and Shire Council ensured that the tree remained when the Onslow Access road was aligned and sealed.
Nearby Islands
Mackerel Islands
The Mackerel Islands Group, comprises ten islands and is situated 22 kilometres offshore from Onslow. The resort is located on the main island, Thevenard, a coral atoll 6 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide. Accommodation consists of fully self contained beach front cabins. An ideal family holiday setting.
Montebello Islands
(Trips are seasonal, and not available all year)
Montebello Islands are situated approximately 75 nautical miles, north of Onslow, off the West Australian coast. With over 100 small islands in the group, they are surrounded by magnificent coral reefs, ideal for fishing, snorkeling and swimming.
Fishing
Please read below for some of the hot spots to catch a bite.
Sunrise Beach
Sunrise beach or front beach is a great place to swim, collect shells, fish or just relax in the warm sun. With boat ramp facilities and a shelter on the beach and another on the beachfront it is the perfect place for the family to have fun in the sun.
Sunset Beach
Sunset beach or back beach offers patrons a shaded picnic area, fish cleaning facilities and the best place in the north to watch the sun go down. Take time to go on the beach at sunset (take your camera!). Also a great beach for fishing, swimming and shell collecting.
Four Mile Creek
Four Mile Creek is a fantastic spot to do some fishing, crabbing and to have a picnic lunch. There is a BBQ area with a shaded shelter.
Ashburton River
The beautiful Ashburton River is a must to see whilst in Onslow. Visit three and five mile pools. Camping is allowed along the banks of the river and the setting is idyllic. Swim, fish, picnic, bushwalk and just relax!
Beadon Creek
Fish off the wharf here or just observe the goings on. Down the creek is where all the action happens.
Fishing Charters
For availability of fishing charters please call Onslow Tourist Centre at the beginning of the season (April to October) on (08) 9184 6644.
Tours
Tours of Onslow are available via the Onslow Visitor Centre.
Tours include exploring the Wheatstone Gas Plant or taking a guided tour through the hidden treasures of the town.